Bidriware Vase, Bidar, Karnataka, India, 18th century
Saint Louis Art Museum
Provenance: museum purchase
height: 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm)
Bidriware is a metal handicraft from Bidar which developed in the 14th century C.E. during the rule of the Bahamani Sultans.
It was first brought to India by noted Sufi Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti in the form of utensils. The art form developed in the kingdom was a mix of Turkey, Persia and Arabic countries which were intermingled with the local styles and thus a unique style of its own was born.
The Bidriware undergoes an eight-stage process. The eight stages are moulding, smoothening by file, designing by chisels, engraving by chisel and hammer, pure silver inlaying, smoothening again, buffing and finally oxidising by soil and ammonium chloride.
India is a land of rich culture, history, tradition, art and craft. Whether you go to the north, south, east or west direction, the traditional craft seems to be flowing everywhere. One such type is Bidriware or Bidri craft originating from the state of Karnataka.
Bidriware was first practised in ancient Persia and was brought to India by the followers of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. These craftsmen settled in Bidar, situated on the Deccan plateau in Karnataka and it is from here the art originated. Patronised by the Bahamani rulers who ruled over the district in the 14th century, the art form developed as an amalgam of Persian and Arabic cultures with the local art of India. Since then, the art is practised by the descendants of craftsmen of that era. Bidri craftsmen use a special variety of soil available only in the Bidri Fort area to make authentic artefacts. The artisans identify good quality soil from the fort by tasting it with the tip of their tongues, a unique technique of testing which is believed to be passed on from one generation to the other and seasoned with experience.
Bidriware is an eight-stage process. It begins with a mould that is formed from the soil. The molten metal (an alloy of copper and zinc in the ratio of 1:16) is then poured into it to obtain a cast piece which is later smoothened by a file and designed by chisels. After this, the model is engraved using a chisel and a hammer. Pure silver wires or strips are then hammered into these grooves. The object is then smoothened again, followed by buffing and finally it is oxidised using the soil and ammonium chloride solution. This solution selectively darkens the object with no effect on the silver inlay. The solution is then washed and the silver design shines against the black surface. Finally, oil is applied to give lustre to the object. The artisans create beautiful designs like flowers, leaves, geometric patterns, Persian roses, and even passages from the Holy Quran in Arabic script, etc.
Bidriware is one of the most important and highly-priced handicraft export items across the world. A unique symbol of wealth, the art of silver engraved on black metal has always fascinated people. Beautifully crafted by hand, these artefacts are perfect interior-decorating items for home and office décor. Bidriware is used for making paan daans, ashtrays, hookahs, vases, bowls, ornament boxes, trays, jewellery items and other decorative and utility items. The best part of this artefact is that it is very easy to clean and maintain. Simply wipe it with a cloth dipped in water to remove the dirt and dust. Thereafter apply some oil to the piece to maintain its original sheen.
Despite being globally appreciated and admired, this indigenous handicraft is heading towards a major decline. The rising cost of silver and other metals, availability of fake products in the market, age-old techniques used and lack of availability of Bidar Fort’s soil are some of the factors that have forced the artists not to carry the legacy of making Bidriware forward. They feel despite the laborious efforts involved, the art is not paying them well to maintain the status and respect that Bidri artists used to enjoy earlier.
In order to protect and preserve it, Bidri craft has been given the Geographical Indication (GI) registration by the Government of India in the year 2006. Further, due to the efforts of organisations like The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited, this metal artefact is on the revival path. The effort was quite evident from the tableau of Karnataka during the Republic Day parade in 2011 in New Delhi which featured Bidriware and Bidri artisans. Giving due acknowledgement to the efforts and hard work of these craftsmen, this ultimate symbol of aristocracy, prosperity and luxury will surely survive and thrive.
Bidri derives its name from Bidar, the capital city of the bahamani sultans of the 16th century. The art is Persian in origin and is more than 500 years old, but Bidri is a purely Indian innovation. Bidri is cast with an alloy of zinc, copper and other non-ferrous metals and pretty designs are engraved with a grooving chisel. Thereafter it is inlaid with pure silver wire which is then polished with a buffing machine. The product is then dipped in a solution prepared out of the soil of the fort of Bidar which has special oxidizing properties. The zinc alloy then turns a lustrous black but the silver inlay stays intact to contrast beautifully with the dark background. . . . Bidri hat seinen Namen von Bidar, der Hauptstadt der bahamaniischen Sultane des 16. Jahrhunderts. Die Kunst ist persischen Ursprungs und mehr als 500 Jahre alt, aber Bidri ist eine rein indische Innovation. Bidri wird mit einer Legierung aus Zink, Kupfer und anderen NE-Metallen gegossen und hübsche Designs werden mit einem Stechmeißel graviert. Danach wird es mit reinem Silberdraht eingelegt, der dann mit einer Poliermaschine poliert wird. Das Produkt wird dann in eine Lösung eingetaucht, die aus dem Boden der Festung von Bidar hergestellt wurde, der besondere oxidierende Eigenschaften aufweist. Die Zinklegierung wird dann zu einem glänzenden Schwarz, aber die Silbereinlage bleibt intakt und bildet einen schönen Kontrast zum dunklen Hintergrund. #bidriware #vase #workspace #craftsmanhome #crafting #men #menatwork #metallurgy #metal #alloys (at Munich, Germany) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs2Gr9eBEKI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ijjbrhxj81o3
Bidriware: A Ravishing Craft of Bidar that Dates Back to 14th Century
Bidri metal handicraft products depict the rich history of the Bidar city and the name ‘Bidriware‘ originates from there only. Wherein...
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Bidriware is a handicraft that originated in the 14th century India, and was very popular for centuries.
(An alloy of copper and zinc is casted into a desired shape, and then coated with a strong solution of copper sulphate, to get a black glaze. An artisan then uses a metal stylus to etch intricate designs by removing the coating.)
This technique has made a great comeback in the most unlikely fashion. Artisans are now making USB drive covers, office stationery, lampshades and even floor tiles. Read on
(Top image: A 17th century, Bidriware Hookah base at Louvre)
